For most people, the idea of being trapped in a small space for a long time sounds like a nightmare. But for astronauts, it’s just another part of the job. However, things have taken a turn for the worse for two astronauts currently stranded in space.
Keep reading to find out what’s going on!
Two brave astronauts have been stuck in orbit for over 60 days, and it looks like they might be circling the Earth until early 2025! The reason? Their Boeing spacecraft, which was supposed to bring them back home, has run into serious problems.
NASA recently announced that the two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, might need a daring rescue from the International Space Station (ISS) by none other than Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This is because their Boeing Starliner spacecraft has been plagued with issues since their mission began in June.
Their journey was supposed to be an exciting first voyage aboard Boeing’s Starliner to the ISS. But it quickly turned into a disaster. They’ve had to deal with helium leaks and thruster failures that have left their spacecraft unable to return to Earth.
Originally, Butch and Suni were only meant to spend a week at the ISS. But now, it looks like they’ll be up there for much longer, possibly until early next year.
NASA has a rescue plan in mind: the astronauts could return on SpaceX’s Dragon Crew-9 mission. But here’s the catch—this mission won’t launch until September, and it won’t be back on Earth until February next year!
1) Why is no one talking about the two astronauts stuck in space indefinitely???? AND it’s because of something Boeing made. Barry Wilmore and Suni Williams were originally scheduled to return to Earth via the Starliner (the Boeing craft) on June 22. pic.twitter.com/ppzxo8EuWq
— Mighty Mouse (@MightyM55070329) August 3, 2024
The details of this rescue plan are still being worked out. Since many parties are involved in the process, including both Boeing and SpaceX, the situation is delicate. If Boeing’s astronauts end up needing a ride back from their competitor, it could be a big embarrassment for Boeing.
While they wait for their rescue, Butch and Suni are staying busy on the ISS, helping out the other astronauts with their work.
But time is of the essence—the ISS has limited resources, and having extra people onboard is starting to stretch those supplies thin.
We’re all hoping for the best for these astronauts as they await their return to Earth. Share this story to spread the word and show your support for Butch and Suni! Let’s all hope for their safe and speedy rescue.
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